https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060324.cfm
So Generous?
Every year, our Bishop Gregory allows us to be generous to people in our diocese who cannot care for themselves. Our Catholic Ministry Appeal will enable us to be good stewards, sometimes beyond our means. We know that 100% of our gifts go to those in need.
Counting my blessings and remembering that everything I have is a gift from God makes my heart more generous. What could I or anyone give back to the Lord that could adequately express our gratitude? The owner in today’s parable had everything and needed nothing from his stewards.
Blessed Antonio Rosmini wrote in the First Maxim of Christian Perfection, “Men (and women) who love God in the way laid down by the Gospel, with all their heart, and with all their soul, and with all their mind, cannot give anything to God, because God has all that is good, desire at least to be just towards him, by acknowledging his infinite perfection, and offering him in all that they do the greatest possible obedience, homage, submission in adoration. ”
However much we may realize God’s goodness to us in the many ways he blesses us, our human nature can easily forget His generosity, like the men in today’s Gospel. Did you notice how the owner in today’s Gospel provided everything the stewards needed to do their work and cultivate a profitable product for him? Unfortunately, these men were not satisfied or grateful.
The vineyard owner kept giving his stewards opportunities to change and embrace his heart. His profit was their growth in His virtue, goodness, and generosity, in a word, to allow their hearts to become like their owners.
Gospel Challenge:
Take a moment to count your blessings at night before you retire. Thank the Lord for how He has blessed you, especially thank Him for the ones you didn’t notice during the day. Experience the gratitude in your heart to know and to be loved by our generous Father God. Then, share some of his goodness with someone He puts in your path. Remember, too, those we serve in our Catholic Ministry Appeal.
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
